Nelson Mandela on Anne Frank

Friends & The Royal Family

Immediately after the book's publication, Otto gives copies to his friends and family. Old friends of Anne and Margot, who appear in the diary, also receive Het Achterhuis. In addition, Otto sends a copy to Gerbrandy, the Prime Minister of The Netherlands during World War Two, and to the Royal Family.

Positive Reviews

Het Achterhuis receives positive reviews: "...this book helps us start believing in humanity again", "How clearly a child can see and judge, Het Achterhuis teaches us this.", "Since the Liberation, I have read hardly anything that is as pure and moving as Anne Frank's diary." The first printing is quickly sold-out, a second printing follows in Decmber 1947, and in February 1948 the book is printed for a third time in an edition of 10,000 copies.

Translations

Otto Frank concentrates on the translation of his daughter’s diary. After the publication of the diary in French ‘The Secret Annex’ is published in 1950 in German. Two years later the diary can be bought in Great Britain and the United States. Otto Frank feels that it is very important that there is a German translation and in 1957 he is determined that there will be a cheaper edition of the diary in East Germany.

Publications of the diary in various languages.

Of the multitude who throughout history have spoken for human dignity in times of great suffering and loss, no voice is more compelling than that of Anne Frank.

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Then & Now

October 17, 1943

My mind boggles at the profanity this honorable house has had to endure in the past month. Father walks around with his lips pressed together, and whenever he hears his name, he looks up in alarm, as if he's afraid he'll be called upon to resolve another delicate problem.